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 About the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

View a Map

Contact

Description of Site

Established

Location

Size

Watershed

Habitat

Ecological Importance

Rare / Endangered Species

Geomorphic Features

Archaeological Features

Uses

Management Status

References

Contact

Pamela Sweeney

Biscayne Bay Environmental Center

1277 NE 79th Street CSWY

Miami, FL 33138-4206

(305) 795-3486

(305) 795-3470 FAX

Biscayne.Bay@dep.state.fl.us

Description of Site

Two Aquatic Preserves are named for Biscayne Bay. The first was founded in 1974 as the Biscayne Bay

Aquatic Preserve. Its boundaries include the inshore waters and natural waterways connected to Biscayne

Bay from the Oleta River in the north to the Card Sound Road bridge between the mainland and northern

Key Largo, with Biscayne National Park removed. This leaves two separate areas of state management; the

northernmost area is bounded by the headwaters of the Oleta River south to Cape Florida on the east, and

just south of Chicken Key and the Deering Estate on the west. The southernmost section begins just south

of the Arsenicker Keys on the west and Broad Creek on the east and ends south of Little Card Sound (at

the Card Sound Road bridge).

The barrier islands of Miami Beach, Fisher Island, Virginia Key, and Key Biscayne form the eastern border

of the northern section. The residential developments along the mainland shore and the Miami central

business district form the western border. The construction of causeways and the Port of Miami and other

dredged islands have subdivided the northern preserve into eight basins. Dredge and fill projects have

altered the northern bay with channels too deep for seagrass growth. Despite the development that has

taken place in the northern bay there still are areas with abundant seagrass beds and mangrove fringe

forests in certain areas. State, county, and city parks provide a variety of access points and possible

recreational activities within Biscayne Bay. Swimming, kayak rentals, historic tours, and picnicking are a

few of the activities that visitors and residents can enjoy at Oleta River State Park, the Barnacle Historic

State Park, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the northern part of the Aquatic Preserve.

The southern part of the preserve consists of Card Sound and Little Card Sound, located between the

southeast mainland of Florida and the northern end of Key Largo, in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. This

portion of Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve is part of a larger area of protected marine environments and is

included within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boundaries. Biscayne National Park is located to

the north. Protected areas include mangrove creeks and islands of mangroves and hammocks managed by

the Crocodile Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the Dagny

Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The mainland shoreline is primarily undeveloped and is

lined with mangroves. On the seaward side of the Sound, access to the offshore areas and water

circulation are restricted by the presence of islands (or keys) with few tidal inlets. There is an exposed

shallow ridge of limestone adjacent to the western shoreline where water depths are less that six feet at

low tide. The submerged ledge extends more than three or four miles from shore and generally supports

lush seagrass and hard bottom communities. In contrast to the urbanized northern portion of the preserve,

Card Sound has the distinction of being one of the most pristine areas in coastal South Florida.

The second aquatic preserve named for Biscayne Bay was founded as the Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to

Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve in 1975. Much of the submerged lands and islands originally included

within the boundaries are now within either Biscayne National Park or within the larger Biscayne Bay

Aquatic Preserve. The original boundaries began off-shore of southern Key Biscayne, extended out to the

edge of Florida state waters and then went southward to the county line dividing Miami-Dade and Monroe

counties. The boundary returned northward along the Intra-coastal Waterway except where it included a

series of shallow banks called the Featherbeds. The preserve concluded back at southern Key Biscayne

including the waters of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Today, the remnant of this Aquatic Preserve

which is not included in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve or Biscayne National Park is approximately

4,000 acres off the eastern shore of Key Biscayne.

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Established

In 1974 the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve was established by the Florida Legislature "to be preserved in

an essentially natural condition so that its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of

future generations" according to its designation in Chapter 258.397, Florida Statutes. Its boundaries,

management authorities, and rules are established in Florida Administrative Code Chapter 18-18.

The Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida to Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve is described in Florida Statute

258.39(11) . The Legislative intent for establishing this aquatic preserve is stated in Section 258.36, F.S.:

"It is the intent of the Legislature that the state-owned submerged lands in areas which have exceptional

biological, aesthetic, and scientific value, as hereinafter described, be set aside forever as aquatic

preserves or sanctuaries for the benefit of future generations."

Location

Counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe

Nearby City: Miami, Florida

Adjacent to U.S. Highway 1

Size

Both aquatic preserves together have approximately 67,000 acres of submerged lands; The Biscayne Bay

Aquatic Preserve�s 63,000 acres are divided between the northern section with approximately 49,000

acres and 14,000 acres in the southern section. The Biscayne Bay Cape Florida to Monroe County Line

Aquatic Preserve has approximately 4,000 acres.

Watershed

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) controls much of the surface water flow into

Biscayne Bay through its system of canals, levees, and control structures constructed as part of the Central

and Southern Florida Flood Control Project. Biscayne Bay receives freshwater surface flows from seventeen

surface water management basins through twelve major coastal structures. The watershed is composed of

the drainage basins east of the Everglades, including portions of southern Broward and northern Monroe

counties and includes "a marine ecosystem of about 428 square miles and a drainage area of about 938

square miles, including 350 square miles of wetlands" (Alleman, 1995).

Habitat

SFWMD scientists reported that Biscayne Bay supports diverse biological communities including submerged

aquatic, coastal wetland and intertidal, and coastal upland habitats in the Biscayne Bay Surface Water

Improvement and Management Technical Supporting Documents (SWIM TSD) (Alleman, et al., 1995).

Submerged aquatic habitats consist of seagrasses, hardbottom assemblages (with solitary hard and soft

corals, sponges and algae), unconsolidated sediments, and open water communities such as plankton, and

nekton including bottle-nosed dolphin and fishes. Plankton appears to form the basis of the food chain in

northern Biscayne Bay, whereas seagrasses and algae provide the primary food source in southern

Biscayne Bay. Coastal wetland communities include mangroves and salt marshes. These plants provide

habitat for numerous shoreline organisms, protection from erosion or storm damage, and an important

source of food in the bay. Other intertidal communities include riprapped shorelines. Coastal upland plant

communities consist of hammocks, pinelands, and dune vegetation, and provide vital protection to the bay

from the effects of upland runoff and pollutant loading.

Ecological Importance

The rich fauna found in Biscayne Bay results from the diverse habitats found in the bay. In addition to fish

directly important to humans, such as snook, the mangrove and estuarine areas support a diverse

collection of other fishes that serve as links in food webs which benefit the entire Biscayne Bay ecosystem.

As summarized in SWIM TSD, seagrass habitat is especially prevalent in Biscayne Bay and the

corresponding fish fauna includes bonefish, ladyfish, pompano, permit, spotted sea trout, silver perch,

hogfish, Nassau grouper, red grouper, black grouper, gag, yellowfin mojarra, and crevalle jack (Alleman,

et al., 1995). Grassbeds also serve as a food source for the Florida manatee and as nursery grounds for

several important species of fish and invertebrates.

SWIM TSD scientists reported that at least 512 fish species occur in the bay as documented by de Sylva

(Alleman, et al., 1995). At least some of this diversity is due to the overlap of the Atlantic and the

Caribbean marine provinces. Fish species north of Cape Canaveral are typical of temperate waters, while

Florida Keys fish species are tropical. SWIM TSD scientists concluded that, "Biscayne Bay is part of a

transition area where fish species of both kinds are well represented. There is some seasonal fluctuation,

with tropical species more prevalent in the summer and temperate species partially replacing them in the

winter." (Alleman, et al., 1995).

SWIM TSD scientists reported that "An undetermined but very large number of invertebrate species live

within Biscayne Bay" (Alleman et al, 1995). Benthic surveys tallied over 800 species including over 150

species of shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. Many of these species are commercially harvested including blue

crab, stone crab, spiny lobster, penaeid shrimp, and sponges.

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Within hardbottom communities, the most common sponges are the loggerhead sponge (Spheciospongia

vesparia) and the basket sponge (Ircinia campana); Alleman, et al., 1995). Other commercial sponge

species also occur in the central and southern portions of the Bay. The importance of Biscayne Bay to

juvenile spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) has resulted in a large portion of the bay (roughly from Cape

Florida south through Card Sound) to be designated as the Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Spiny Lobster

Sanctuary, as described in Chapter 68B-11, Florida Administrative Code.

Sea turtles that occur in Biscayne Bay may include the Atlantic green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Atlantic

hawksbill (Eretmochelus imbricata), the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the Atlantic ridley

(Lepidochelys kempi), and the loggerhead (Caretta caretta; Alleman, et al., 1995). SWIM reports, �Green

turtles and loggerheads occur regularly in the bay, whereas hawksbills seem to be less common, there, at

least in recent years (circa 1995). Hawksbill nests have been recorded along the outer keys of Biscayne

Bay and leatherback nests have been recorded on Miami Beach and Key Biscayne" as reported by Connally

in the SWIM TSD (Alleman, et al., 1995). "Green turtles and loggerheads regularly forage within the bay.

The predominantly vegetarian green turtle feeds in grassbeds, whereas the more omnivorous loggerhead

finds a varied diet of sponges, molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins and plants in hard bottom

communities" (Alleman, et al., 1995). Both the diamondback and the mangrove terrapin are discussed

from the 1950�s, but are not common today (Alleman, et al., 1995). Other noteworthy reptiles that are

associated with the bay are the American alligator (in freshwater tributaries) and the American crocodile, a

threatened species. 

Many Biscayne bird "species are permanent residents of the bay, other species migrate through the area,

and still others are winter or summer residents" (Alleman, et al., 1995). SWIM scientists wrote that

"Biscayne Bay is a major stopover in the autumn migration of North American shorebirds. Several species

of shorebirds overwinter in Biscayne Bay, making extensive use of shorelines and intertidal areas"

according to Wattendorf (Alleman, et al., 1995). Major bird rookeries within the bay include the islands of

Bird Key in the northern bay and Chicken Key in the central bay, Other rookeries are the mangrove

shorelines from Matheson Hammock extending south through Biscayne National Park and along the

western shores of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key (Alleman, et al., 1995).

Rare / Endangered Species

Common Name Scientific Name State Federal

 

Fish 

common snook Centropomus undecimalis n/a n/a

smalltooth sawfish Pista pectinatus 

mangrove rivulus Rivulus marmoratus SSC n/a

 

Reptiles 

American alligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T (s/a)

Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta T T

Atlantic green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas E E

American crocodile Crocodylus acutus E E

Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi T T

Atlantic hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata E E

gopher turtle Gopherus polyphemus SSC n/a

Kemp's ridley Lepidochelys kempi E E

Miami black-headed snake Tantilla oolitica T n/a

 

Birds 

roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC n/a

limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC n/a

piping plover Charadrius melodus T T

white-crowned pigeon Columba leucocephala T n/a

little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC n/a

reddish egret Egretta rufescens SSC n/a

snowy egret Egretta thula SSC n/a

tricolored heron Egretta tricolor SSC n/a

Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius E E

American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus SSC n/a

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bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T T

wood stork Mycteria americana E E

osprey Pandion haliaetus SSC n/a

brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC n/a

least tern Sterna antillarum T n/a

 

Mammals 

Florida panther Felis concolor coryi E E

West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus E E

State listings are taken from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or as with plants

Florida Department of Agriculture. Federal listings are taken from the United States Fish and Wildlife

Service. E= Endangered; T= Threatened; T (s/a)= Threatened due to similarity in appearance; SSC=

Species of Special Concern; UR= Under review; n/a= information not available or no designation listed;

C=Commercially exploited

Geomorphic Features

Biscayne Bay lies in a depression between two limestone ridges. The Atlantic Coastal Ridge forms the

western boundary and the Key Largo Ridge underlies the barrier islands to the east (Alleman, et al., 1995).

Archaeological Features

Native peoples� use of Biscayne Bay dates back as far as 10,000 years before present. Their use is

documented in archaeological sites such as the Cutler Fossil Site and the Miami Circle. The Tequesta

people lived along Biscayne Bay during the time of European contact. Two centuries after Europeans first

visited, the last of the Tequestas left Florida for Cuba. After this, two new groups of Creek origin came to

live in the Everglades and along the coast. These groups, the Seminoles and the Miccosukee both have

reservations within the interior of South Florida today.

Uses

For anyone who would like to explore Biscayne Bay, there are a diversity of recreational and commercial in

-water activities, including power boating, sail boating, catamaraning, canoeing, sculling, water skiing, jet

skiing, hang gliding, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

The Bay is also important navigationally as part of the Intra-Coastal Waterway and home to a deepwater

port, Miami Harbor, one of the busiest cargo and passenger ports in the world.

The Bay provides for a variety of educational and research activities. Several marine science and education

facilities utilize the Bay and include: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric

Sciences (RSMAS), Florida International University, Barry University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration�s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and Southeast Fisheries Science

Center, and the Miami Seaquarium. On the secondary level, Maritime and Science Technology (MAST)

Academy is a local magnet school located on Virginia Key and is dedicated to students interested in marine

science. In addition to these institutions, several governmental agencies as well as scientists from remote

locations conduct research and education programs pertaining to Biscayne Bay.

Management Status

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves consist primarily of submerged lands and the water column over such

lands as well as publicly owned islands. Those submerged lands within the boundaries of the preserve that

are privately owned or leased or which have been deeded to the County or municipalities are also part of

the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Both preserves have been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters,

Class III.

The preserves are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Coastal and

Aquatic Managed Areas. Major management issues involve the protection of the resources within the

preserves in accordance with F.S. 258.397 and F.A.C. 18-18. In addition to monitoring and reviewing

projects which may impact the resources of the preserves, efforts are also directed towards research and

education. Monitoring activities within the preserve include an extensive water quality monitoring program

and smaller benthic resources program administered by SFWMD and Miami-Dade County Department of

Environmental Resource Management (DERM).

References

Alleman, R. W. 1995. An Update of the Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan for Biscayne

Bay. Planning Department, South Florida Water Management District. West Palm Beach, Florida.

Alleman, R. W., S. A. Bellmund, D. W. Black, S. E. Formati, C. A. Gove, and L. K. Gulick. 1995. An Update

of the Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan for Biscayne Bay. Technical Supporting

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Documents and Appendices. (Ed: Mulliken, J. D. and J. A. VanArman). Planning Department. South Florida

Water Management District. West Palm Beach, Florida.

deSylva, D. P. 1984. A Bibliography and Index of the Biscayne Bay Ecosystem. University of Miami School

of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 91 pp.

Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1991. Management Plan (cabinet draft, not adopted) For

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Card Sound. Division of State Lands, 180 pp.

Metropolitan Dade County Board of County Commissioners. 1986. Environmental Resource Management

Department and Metropolitan Dade County Planning Department. 1986. Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

Management Plan (draft, not adopted). Metropolitan Dade County, Miami, Florida, 348 pp.

Last updated: May 12, 2011

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard M.S. 235 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 850-245-2094 (phone) / 850-245-2110 (fax)

Contact Us 

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